KPBS Science & Technology Reporter I or II

SDSU Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

3d•$33 - $41•Hybrid

About The Position

KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with informative, cultural, entertaining and educational television, radio, and digital programming. KPBS TV/FM is the public television and radio station for San Diego. Licensed to San Diego State University, KPBS supports and furthers the university’s educational and community service mission by informing, enlightening and empowering its audience. It does so not only by presenting national and locally produced programming of value to its San Diego audience, but also by producing programming about San Diego and its people for distribution nationwide. San Diego has a rich array of research institutions and biotechnology firms that play an important role in the region’s economy and quality of life, and they often make news of both local and global consequence. Reporting on the science and technology beat will involve taking complex concepts and rendering them into accessible and compelling stories. These stories will be grounded in fact, and carefully vetted, moving beyond press releases to interrogate the ethics, funding, and real-world impacts of local innovation but still be playful or moving as the subject matter requires. Under the direction of the Managing Editor, supervision of the News Editor, and in coordination with other members of the news division, The Science & Technology Reporter will produce news stories that can be distributed on radio, TV, KPBS.org , social media platforms and KPBS mobile. KPBS news beats include arts & culture, border, immigration, education, environment, investigative, and military. The news stories will be produced in formats such as, but not limited to, social media videos and posts, digital projects/series, radio newscasts, in-depth radio features, TV packages and features, multimedia projects, community engagement events and special reports as assigned. The reporter may be assigned to help fill in for other newsroom positions, such as anchoring newscasts or web producing, and appear as a guest or host on KPBS TV and radio programs. Cultivating the beat is important, but all KPBS reporters will work outside their beats, or conversely team up on their beats, as the news merits. The reporter will produce local content and prepare final productions that can be distributed on all KPBS platforms. The reporter is expected to participate in station on-air fundraising activities, and make appearances for KPBS community building events and other public relations activities.

Requirements

Basic news judgment and an understanding of journalism ethics.
Ability to write broadcast scripts and/or web stories.
An understanding of proper news style (including AP style), structure and grammar.
Ability to voice for TV/radio.
Ability to do TV stand-ups/live shots.
Audio and/or video editing skills.
Ability to shoot/record/edit audio/video for radio & TV platforms.
Ability to build, develop, and maintain sources.
Knowledge of institutions/communities throughout San Diego & Imperial counties and/or on their assigned beat.
Basic computer skills.
Basic photography skills and the ability to capture images for digital story illustration.
Ability to use and maintain field cameras and related equipment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and students.
Two years of progressively responsible experience as a reporter (Level I)
Five years of progressively responsible experience as a reporter (Level II)
Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent training and work in journalism.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, preferably in journalism or beat-related field(s).
Fluency in a language in addition to English, e.g. Spanish, in order to connect to San Diego’s diverse communities.
Expertise in analyzing data to find story trends.
Track record of accountability-driven journalism, including filing FOIA’s and/or PRA’s.
Experience using engagement tools such as Hearken.
Demonstrated skills in using video and audio recording equipment, still cameras, and audio and video editing software.
Ability to successfully engage audiences via social media.
Experience in digital production, including still photography.
Journalistic experience on multiple platforms including digital, video and audio reporting.
Journalistic experience in public radio or television.
Possess some knowledge of current San Diego and regional issues.

Responsibilities

Provide news content: spot news, feature reports, cut and copy, live debrief, tape talk, field packages, photos, video, audio, social media posts, and newscasts. The primary flow of work will be to start a story online, shoot video on the topic and edit it or work in partnership with a videographer for longer pieces as needed, and move the gathered content across all news platforms.
Follow the KPBS Strategic Plan and Editorial Vision at the direction of the News Editor.
Research topics, analyze data, develop contacts and interview sources, maintain notes and broadcast recordings, write and edit reports, produce and voice reports for air, and work with a production unit to produce radio, TV and multimedia productions.
Report stories in appropriate forms for online and broadcast (live on-air, copy, actuality, cut & copy, voicer, wrap, feature, series, documentary, feature follow, studio two-way, radio, TV, etc.).
Create content through excellent storytelling and high journalistic standards.
Read and follow major developments on local and national science and technology stories and continue to follow issues covered in the past.
Maintain contact lists and files for ongoing continuity of coverage and accumulation of knowledge.
Brainstorm beat-specific story ideas with other reporters, supervisors and producers of radio, television, public affairs, and digital platforms.
Attend meetings, represent the station at public events, responsibility for appropriate record keeping, correspondence, phone calls, supplies and equipment, and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer's market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
Free wellness classes & programs
Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
Flexible spending account(s)
Employee assistance program
Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan